Color Mixing I for Botanical Watercolor

Watercolor begins not with painting, but with learning the language of color. This intensive foundation course builds on the visual concepts introduced in Botanical Drawing II concerning how to interpret light and value through color. Students will learn to read paint labels, identify pigment numbers, and understand how individual pigments interact — skills essential for achieving accurate, realistic botanical color. Through structured exercises, you’ll build a personalized color library, which is a vital reference for matching specimens and interpreting light in future work. Because this process is both detailed and foundational, it will take longer than many expect. Plan to pace yourself and devote time between sessions to continue mixing in short, focused intervals. We’ll explore primary, secondary, and complementary color relationships (and why red is not truly primary), while practicing how to mix luminous lights, rich darks, and balanced neutrals without creating muddy results. You’ll also refine your understanding of value and chroma to sharpen your artistic eye and deepen your confidence in color interpretation. By the end, you’ll have a confident grasp of basic watercolor color theory, control of your materials, and a working color library to carry forward into future botanical illustration studies. Expect to learn in a relaxed and inspired environment as we dive into the vibrant world of color! Some materials are provided. Click on the link below in the Event Details section for additional required materials. Fees: Member $304, Non-Member $357 All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact registrar@lewisginter.org or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.